By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Newly released court documents reveal that former detectives involved in the 2011 Operation Weeting investigation into News Group Newspapers (NGN) phone hacking allege NGN actively obstructed the inquiry. Two detectives stated that NGN’s Will Lewis, now Washington Post CEO, could have faced arrest for perverting the course of justice due to his involvement in the deletion of millions of emails. While NGN denies wrongdoing and the Crown Prosecution Service found insufficient evidence for charges in 2015, these claims emerged during a settled phone-hacking lawsuit against NGN by Prince Harry and Tom Watson. The detectives’ accusations, however, remain a point of contention, with NGN maintaining that the email deletions were for legitimate reasons unrelated to the police investigation.
Read the original article here
News Group Newspapers, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, faces serious accusations of actively obstructing a UK police investigation into phone hacking. Former detectives involved in the investigation allege that the company went to considerable lengths to frustrate their efforts, hindering the pursuit of justice. The sheer scale of the alleged obstruction raises serious questions about the company’s conduct and the potential consequences for those involved.
The gravity of these accusations is underscored by the claim that a senior executive within News Group Newspapers could have faced arrest for perverting the course of justice. This isn’t a minor infraction; this suggests a deliberate and coordinated effort to impede the investigation, potentially involving high-ranking individuals within the organization. The fact that this potential arrest hasn’t happened raises significant questions about accountability and the power dynamics at play.
This isn’t just a matter of corporate wrongdoing; it speaks to a pattern of behavior that potentially shields powerful figures from the consequences of their actions. The suggested parallels with the 2008 financial crisis – where those responsible for immense damage seemed to escape meaningful consequences – are disturbingly apt. This suggests a system that allows those with significant wealth and influence to operate outside the boundaries that govern the rest of us.
The case of Will Lewis, the senior executive mentioned in connection with the potential arrest, adds another layer of complexity. His subsequent career trajectory, culminating in his current position as chief executive and publisher of the Washington Post, raises further concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the lack of repercussions for those accused of such serious wrongdoing. This begs the question: what accountability, if any, will he face?
The lack of a full and transparent investigation, exacerbated by the alleged cancellation of the second part of the Leveson Inquiry, points to a systemic issue. The suggestion of political interference – given the Conservative Party’s close ties with News Group Newspapers – cannot be ignored. This implies a deep-seated corruption, potentially allowing powerful media organizations to influence political processes and avoid accountability for their actions.
The sheer magnitude of the accusations against Murdoch and his media empire extends beyond the UK. His influence on global politics, particularly in relation to the rise of Donald Trump, is frequently highlighted. The argument that Murdoch’s actions have been profoundly damaging to Western democracies is frequently made, suggesting the potential impact of unchecked media power. The scale of alleged wrongdoing goes far beyond simple phone hacking; it potentially represents a systemic corruption of journalistic ethics and political processes.
The absence of meaningful consequences for Murdoch and News Group Newspapers fuels outrage and calls for greater accountability. The recurring theme of deference given to the rich and powerful, mirrored in the experiences of law enforcement agencies around the world, is particularly striking. This suggests that those with significant wealth and influence operate under a different set of rules, creating a significant imbalance of justice.
Ultimately, the accusations against News Group Newspapers highlight a broader systemic problem. It’s not just about one company or one individual; it’s about the potential for those with power to evade accountability, undermining democratic institutions and the very principles of justice. The ongoing lack of a thorough and impartial investigation and the apparent absence of significant consequences for those implicated only serves to reinforce these concerns, leaving a sense of deep unease about the potential impunity enjoyed by the powerful. The very silence surrounding the accusations adds fuel to the fire, suggesting that the fight for justice and accountability is far from over.